Gravity motor



Nov. 5, 1929.

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H Hlllmw ....imllll IHHII lllHilllI NH Hl Hill Il J. T. Ross GRAVITY MOTOR Filed Nov. 22. 192s 4 .Sheets-sheen' 5 Wwf/Dfw@ J. T. ROSS GRAVITY MOTOR Nov. 5; i 14929.

Patented Nov. 5, 1,929

f-,IfUNrisn srA'rss n I y JAMES T. Ross, F DUNCAN, OKLAHOMA Ara'rsni `lorries Application -filed. November 22, 1928.` Serial No. 321,051.

This invention relates to a gravity motor and more particularly .to such a motor comprising a plurality of energy storing ele- `ments connected to move in synchronism.

Y The object of the invention is to produce a mechanism by which a constant energy of a small high speed motor can be translated into an intermittent application of power through a relatively short distance without the productionof shocks or jars or injury to the motor. Another object of the invention is the prov4'duction of a power transmission mechanism comprising a plurality of energy storing elements connected to move in synchronisni.

A still further objectof the invention is the production of a mechanical movement comprising a plurality of pendulums so n iountedwith relation to each other that they ,20"co-act in producing a unitary pendulum energystorage. Another object is the provision ofV a' resetting mechanism for such a composite pendulum.` Another object is the tying to such a pendulum of a fly wheel mech- :mism and a power take on mechanism.

'.Fig. 4 is a section of a portion of the machine taken on ..40 parts fore-shortened.

Fig. 5 mount. y

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the ratchets `used in storing momentum.

is a perspective cf they pendulum i 45 .1 For the' purpose of description, the motor i may be sub-divided into parts as follows :-Y

A1 frame work for supporting thev several fmechanisms a composite pendulum comprisving two separate pendulum elements, a re- 59 setting mechanismfcr one of the pendulums,

the line l-l ofy Figure 2 with a fly wheel mechanism for taking power from y the small motor, and a power take olf mechanisin. The several parts `just enumerated will be described in detail and their indi'- vidual functions pointed out after which a recital of their conjoint use willbe given.'

The motor is mounted in a frame Work 10 of angle iron. The particular construction of the frame work is not important. Any type offrame which will support the several elements of the motor in proper relationship will Aanswer the purposes quite as well as the frame shown. However, the frame Y work shown consists of uprights 11, 12 at the ends thereof, there being three of each of these uprights. rlhey connect the usual rectangular ibase 13 and top 14:. The top of the Vframe consists of four channels and these havey been indicated by the numerals 15, 16, 17 and 18 connected together at the ends of the machine by the cross channels 19 and'20.

The frame just described is divided into i "two parts, as shown, one of which vis widery and defines the space in which the composite pendulum swings, the other of which is shown as narrower, although this is immaterial, in

which is mounted the fly wheels and associated parts. To 'provide suitable bearing supports for the said flywheel and associated parts, the end uprights are connected together by upper and lower cross angles indicated by the numerals 21 and 21', 22 and 22',`the angle irons 21" and 22 being located below the angles 21 and 22. 1

Upon the top channels 15, 16, 17 and 18 are mounted four bearings 23, 24, 25 and 26. In the bearings 23 and 24: is mounted a short vshaft 27 while in the bearings 25 and 26 is a long shaft`28. These two shafts constitute portions of what might be termed a commonr shaft since they are intended to oscillate together in the operation of the machine and are in perfect alignment. On these two shafts a are'fixedly mounted collars 29 and 30; Suspended from said collars are pendulum arms 31 and 32 supporting weights 33 and 34. Projectingupward from the collars 29 and 30 are studs 35 and 36 to which are connected the cross brace 37. The weights 33 and 34 are also connected at they bottom by a plate 38. The several parts just described constitute a frame which connects to the short shaft 27 and the long shaft 28 and in efl'ect forms a pendulum frame in which swings a secondary pendulum. to be now described.

On the adjacent ends of t-he shafts'27 and 28 are mounted oscillatin bearings 39 and 40, rising from which are t e lugs 42 and 4l. In said lugs is mounted a shaft 43 on which is the sleeve 44 free to oscillate, and mounted on said shaft by means of ball bearings. The sleeve 44 supports the auxiliary pendulum 45 comprising the yoke 46 and the weight 47.

From ythe oscillating bearings 39 and 40 4arms project to either side and these have been indicated by the numerals 48, 49. From these arms extend four push rods each of which has its lower end projecting through an aperture in the plate 38 and on each of which is mounted a collar 51 and a spring 52. The main pendulum frame is connected to the auxiliary pendulum through the medium `of `a rocker shaft 53 .which is mounted in lbearings 54 and 55 supported on the top channels 16 and 17. This rocker shaft is provided with rocker arms 56 and .57 both of which are provided with 4a series of openings for the adjustable attachment of connecting rods 58 and 59. The rod 59 is resiliently connected to the arm 57 by theprovision of collars 60 stitute a composite pendulum comprising a main pendulum and an auxiliary pendulum which are connected together in three differentways. First, the shafts to which the main pendulum frame is fixedly .connected constin tute the supports for the auxiliary pendulum in that the oscillating collars which carry'the auxiliary pendulum are mounted upon the ends of said shaft. Second, the supporting collars forrthe auxiliary pendulum are con nected `to thepusli rods extending to the lower portion of the pendulum frame, and thirdly the rocker shaft 53 is connected to both the main pendulum frame and to the auxiliary frame, Vthe connection to the main frame lbeing indicated by the numeral 59 and to the auxiliary by the numeral 58.

It will be appreciated that the shaft 43 is the pivot on which the auxiliary pendulum swings and that said shaft has a movement through an are in the operation of the composite pendulum.A This will be appreciated from Figure 4- wherein the main pendulum is shown as swinging to the left and the auxiliary pendulum to the right. This result is produced bythe rocker shaft 53 and `its con-,

nections to the main and auxiliary pendulums. It will also be appreciated that when the main pendulum swings to the right, theA auxiliary pendulum will swing to the left.

From an inspection of Figure 4, it willbe position.

appreciated that the main pendulum frame when it is in vertical position and at rest will control the position of the auxiliary pendulum and in that position of the parts the auxiliary pendulum will be in a vertical position with its pivot shaft 43 in vertical alignment with the aligned pivot shafts of the main pendulum frame. This is due to the presence of the pusher rods 50 and the tensioning of the springs 52 at the lower portions thereof. It will be appreciated too that as soon as the main pendulum is swung slightly in either direction, the vertical balance `will be destroyed and that the auxiliary pendulum will have a tendency to drop from its position of highest elevation to one lof lower elevation at either side thereof. If permitted to do so, it would exert an undue effect on this compression of the springs tends to reltard the falling of the anxiliary'pivot shaft.

The tension of the spring `can .be regulated to exert more or less influence against .this falling and by this means a shock absorbing action is produced inthe pendulum as a whole. The effect of this lmay be ldescribed in another way. The auxiliary pendulum in. falling and placing the springs under compression has a tendency to accelerate .at that time the movement of the Weightsof the malin pendulum frame ina direction opposite to that of the swinging movement of this anita...

iliary pendulum. j

The pendulum mechanism so far described Y is operable as a pendulum but in kthis invention there is provided what might be called: a

resetting mechanism for the auxiliary pen-I Vdulum, that is, when the auxiliary pendulum has about reached the end of its travel/inv one direction, it is desirable to .liftv 'its pivot shaft so that it will occupy its central and elevated.

upon the pair of springs 52 wl'iicli .have been tensionedup to that time and as a .consequence permits the further ,travel of the malin pendulum without the momentum of the auxiliary pendulum, thereby placing the pena-- dulum unit in better conditionv for 'its return movement. In the accomplishment Ho-f this operation, the opposite pai-r of springs 52' are placed under .compression and thereby act as a shock absorber for the main pendulum a`nda preliminary power for its return. l j

The construction for accomplishing thisl yresult will now be described. At either end of the machine mounted on the' .base there are rock shafts 63 and 64. A connecting rod 65.5'.

extending from .an arm 616 to .an arm `67 mounted on the respective .shafts 64 and 63- causes these two rock shafts tok work/in unison. On each of the rock shafts is a shaft ends occupy 'elements and rock the two rock shafts in unison. The motion of these rock shafts is transmitted to counter rock shafts 72 and 73 through the medium of the linksl 74 and 7 5, respectively, and the oscillation of these Atwo counter rock shafts is transmitted to a pair of top rock shafts 76 and 77. It will be understood that the counter rock shaft 72 has an arm 78 which is connected byV the link 79 to the arm 80 mounted on the top rock shaft 77, andV that the counter rock shaft 73 is provided with an arm 78 which is connected bythe link 79 to the arm 80 on the top rock shaft 76. n

, The two top rock shafts are provided. with toggle levers 81 and 82, each comprising a short arm 483 and a long arm 84. Thefend of the long arm has a slot therein which slot is provided for the Vreception of the end of the pivot shaft of the auxiliary pendulum.

The parts justfdescribed can be bestseen in the detail Figures 4 and 5 wherein the ends ofthe shaft 43 are shown extending fthrough the slots of the long arms of the It will be noticed that the the ends of the slots, in the case of one lever the innerY end of the slot and in the case of the companion or opposite lever the outer end of the slot.l Tt will be appreciated that each top rocker shaft is provided with apair of these acting upon both ends of the pivot shaft 43. l

Itwill be appreciated after .a study ofthe movement of the several rocker arms and toggle levers.

shafts that when thebumpingroller at one side of the plate strikes the bumper at that upon theV ends of the side of the machine that a pair of toggle levers will be shifted so that they will act pivot shaft 43 and cause it to be swung ito a vertical position thereby *lifting the auxiliary pendulum.: This lifting ofthe pivot shaft, as hereinbefore explained, causes the tension to 4be removed from one pair' of the springs 52 and placed upon the other. It will be further appreciated that for a portion of this bumper movement there the toggle has unit.

is no lifting of the weight but thatlafter it has been half completed, the weight is lifted. It will be still further appreciated that when been operated, the pivot shaft is then locked so that it will not again exert any retrograde action upon the pendulum l As soon, however, as the auxiliary pendulum is swung backward through its vertical center, the toggle lever which has been heretofore operated is broken.

On the cross angles 21 and 22 is mounted a fly wheel shaft 85 on either end of which is mounted'a fiy wheel 86, 86. This fly wheel shaft also carries a small vgear 87 which meshes with a large gear 88 on a counter' shaft 89 and this counter shaft carries atl either end disks 90, 90 to which are connected eccentrically the rods 92 and 92. A small motor 91 is mounted on the rail-20 and has a driving pulley which meshes with one fly wheel. It is the power of this small motor that is utilized and stored in the pendulum unit and to effect this result provision has been made for 'synchronizing the motion o f the flywheels and associated paits with that of the pendulum unit, it being understood that the pendulum unit is started manually in operation and the necessary connections made between v.the fly wheel units and the pendulum unit in order tov obtain the synchronizing results. This is accomplished by a construction which will now be described.

One of the disks is connected through a flink92, rock lever 98, link 94, rock lever 95 and link 96 to the yoke of the auxiliary pendulum. This is accomplished, however, by meansv of a pivot blocky and elastic spring connection similar to thelone hertofore de-l tions between the auxiliary pendulum and the fly wheel mechanism that the power of the small motor will be transmitted to the auxiliary pendulum so that the power so transferred and stored in the auxiliary pendulum is further transmitted and stored in the main pendulum. The mechanism in this case may be considered as a compound pendulum stor` ing mechanism for power.

Power may be `taken off of the motor at any suitable point by any suitable mechanism but as an instance of such a mechanism I have provided a shaft 97 mounted on the rails 22 and 21 and this shaft has a pairof fly wheels at its end similar to theoneabove it. They have been numbered 98and 99. f Associated with this shaft is a counter 'shaft 100 (hidden by shaft 97 in Fig. 2 and'shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and in full lines in Fig. 6), on which is mounted a large gear 101 meshing with a small gear 102 Von countershaft 97. On the shaft 100l there are also mounted ratchetarms 103 and 104. (3o-operating with ratchet wheels 105 and 106 mounted on this counter shaft, rods 107 and 108 connected to the shaft 28 by suitable arms cause the oscillations of the shaft 28 to be conveyed through these rods to the ratchet arms and hence through a suitable ratchet pawl on said arms to the ratchet Wheels. It will be appreciated, therefore,

that the oscillations of vshaft 28 may be utilized to cause a rotary motiony in the counter shaft 100 and in shaft 97. This .shaft 97 may be provided with a pulley or any suitable power transmitting device f found desirable.

From the description of the parts and the detailed description of their operation, the full operation of the machine should be now apparent. A brief recital, however, of its working may aid to a more complete disclosure.

. respect to each other, they will becomev synchronized' with respect to the motor drive. It will be appreciatedthat with each revolution of the fly wheel energy is stored in the *i shaft QSfand also in the auxiliary pendulum.

Since, however, the auxiliary pendulum is easier to move than the main pendulum and its shaft, the motorwill act upon the auxiliary pendulum v,and the energy will be stepped up so to speak from the auxiliary pendulum to the main pendulum. I t will now be apparent that we Vhave three elements here, each acting upon the other, the one a smally motor,`the other two a main and auxiliary pendulum, and that this energy is stored in this pendulum unit and can be utilized when desiredby taking it fromthe main pivot shaft through the4 ratchet mechanism described.

What is claimed. is y 1. In a gravity motor a composite l`*pendulum comprising a main pendulum frame and an auxiliary pendulum mounted to swing within the main pendulum frame, and connections between the main pendulum `frame and the auxiliary pendulum whereby the auxiliary pendulum is caused to swing always vin the opposite directionrfrom that of the main pendulum frame. y

'2. In a gravity motor acomposite pendulum comprising a main pendulum frame and anauxiliary pendulum, the auxiliary pendu* lum being suspended from a pivot shaft having anarcuate path of travelabout the pivotv of the main pendulum frame, and connections between the main pendulum frame and the auxiliary pendulum for causing the auxiliary pendulum to travel always in a direction opposite from that of the main pendulum frame.

n 3. In a gravity motor a compositependulum comprising a main pendulum frame and an auxiliary pendulum, supportingrelements pivotally mounted upon vthe pivotali support of the main pendulum frame, projections ex: tending upwardly and l-aterall .'fromsaid supporting elements, a pivots iaft for the Vauxiliary pendulum'mounted in sai-d upward extensions, push rods pivotallyfseciired to the lateral extensions and resilientlylinountd in the main pendulum frame, and connections between the main pendulum frame the auxiliary frame for 'causing the auxiliary pendulum to move always in a direction opposite to that of the main .penduluml frame.

4i. Ina gravity motor a inoiint for a; coinposite pendulum comprisingtiiio shaftsin alignment, a mainpendlilu'mrframe ixedly mounted upon -said shafts, a pair of 'supportingcollars mounteduponthe ends of said shafts withinsaid main pendulum frame, projections extendingu'pwardly from y'said collars, and a pivot shaft for anfauxiliaiiy pendulum mounted in said projection.

5. In a gravity motora composite' pendiiluin comprising a main pendiiliiinfiianie, 'supporting elements mounted on the pivot of said main pendulum frame and provided with upwardly extending projections, 'anmauxiliafry pendulum pivotally `inr'iuiitedl in said upwardly extending'proj ections, resilient connections between the supporting elements and the main pendulum fra-me causing said support- .ing elements to tilt during the movement f the main pendulum frame, and a iiese'tt mechanism for bringing the pivot of Ythea ix iliary pendulum to a position directly above travel of the main pendului'n.

6. In a gravity motor a lcoifnl'iosite pendiilum comprisinga main pendulum mounted upon a sectional pivotal shaft, aiifxiliary `io the pivot ofthe main frame at the end of pendulum mounted upon a'pivotal shaft above said sectional pivotal shaft, means for' giving the auxiliary pivotal shaft movement inan arcuate path and resetting means for causing the auxiliary pivotal shaft to be eleiated to a position rabove the sectioi'iall piyotal shaft,

ysaid resetting means comprising,bumpers in the path of the main pendulum frame and toggle levers actuated` thereby andV acting uponpthe auxiliary pivotal shaft. 1`A

- 7 In a gravity motor, a composite pendui lumcomprising a main pendulum, an auzxiliary pendulum,y connections betweenlthe main and auxiliary pendulunis for causing them to swing always in opposite`-di-r`ections, -other connections between the pivoty of the auxiliary pendulum and the main pendulum `shaft to'resilientiymaiiitain the" auxiliary pivot shaft in a l-imited path vof travel with respect to tliepivot 'shaft'of the auxiliary frame, and` other coinnectinsfjlietween the main pendulum frameand the pivot shaft of the auxiliary frame whereby' the auxiliary pivot shaft will be brought to a positonjs'ubstantially above the pivot shaft of the main frame.

8. In a gravity motor the combination With a liy Wheel mechanism which is driven by a small motor, of a composite pendulum consist` ing of a1main and of an auxiliary pendulum occupying substantially the same area of operation, the fly Wheel mechanism being resiliently connected to the auxiliary pendulum, the auxiliary pendulum being resiliently connected to the main pendulum.

9. The combination of claim 8 in which the auxiliary pendulum is mounted on a pivot locatedgabove that of the main pendulum and havingi an arcuate path of movement with respect to the pivot of the main frame.

10. The combination of claim 8 wherein the auxiliary pendulum is mounted on a pivot carried in the main pendulum frame andhaving a path of movement in respect to the pivot of said main frame and a resetting mechanism for bringing the pvot or" the auxiliary pendulum to a vertical position at a given time in the travel of the main pendulum frame. Y

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature.

JAMES'T. ROSS. 

